How to Use Trend Data to Create Better Content

Published on July 18, 2024·7 min read

Data can feel cold and intimidating. As a creator, you might think your job is about creativity, not crunching numbers.

But what if data could be your most powerful creative partner? When you learn how to use trend data for content, you unlock a smarter, more effective way to create.

It's about making informed decisions that increase your chances of success, saving you from the frustration of pouring your heart into content that no one sees.

What is "Trend Data" in Practical Terms? Trend data is more than just a popular song. It's a collection of signals that tell you what people are interested in right now.

This data, often surfaced by trend analysis tools, can include: * Rising Keywords: Search terms that are seeing a sudden spike in interest on Google or YouTube. * Emerging Hashtags: New hashtags that are gaining traction in your specific niche. * Accelerating Audio: Sounds or audio clips whose usage is growing exponentially on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. * New Formats: Recurring editing styles or video structures that are capturing attention.

Four Ways to Use Trend Data for Content Creation

1. To Generate Relevant and Timely Ideas This is the most obvious, and most powerful, use case. Instead of guessing what to post, you can look at the data to see what topics are currently capturing the public's imagination.

Without Data: "I'm a finance creator. Maybe I'll make a video about budgeting." (A good topic, but is it timely?)
With Data: "Trend data shows a 300% spike in searches for 'high-yield savings accounts' among millennials this month. I'll make a video explaining how they work in simple terms."

The second idea is far more likely to succeed because it directly addresses a topic that is currently top-of-mind for a specific audience.

2. To Craft a "Scroll-Stopping" Hook The first three seconds of your video are crucial. Trend data can tell you what kind of language, questions, or visual hooks are resonating with viewers right now.

Example: You might find that in your niche, videos starting with "Unpopular opinion..." are getting high engagement. This tells you that a contrarian or debatable hook is a powerful way to start your video and encourage comments.

By analyzing the hooks of currently trending videos (something AI-powered content research can help with), you can build a library of proven formulas for grabbing attention.

3. To Choose the Right Content Format Should your next post be a 30-second video, a 10-slide carousel, or a simple text-based image? The format matters just as much as the topic. Trend data can help you decide.

Example: If your research shows that "get ready with me" (GRWM) videos are trending in the beauty niche, it's a strong signal that a casual, chatty, long-form video is what the audience wants right now. On the other hand, if short, punchy meme videos are performing well, that might be a better format for your message.

4. To Understand Your Audience on a Deeper Level Trends are a window into the collective mind of your audience. They reveal their current hopes, fears, jokes, and aspirations.

Example: A trend around "quiet quitting" or "soft living" is not just a meme; it's a reflection of a broader cultural shift in attitudes towards work-life balance.

When you use trend data for content, you're not just chasing virality; you're gaining a deeper understanding of your community. This allows you to create content that is not only timely but also deeply empathetic and resonant.

Conclusion Trend data doesn't replace creativity; it focuses it. It provides a data-driven foundation that increases the likelihood of your creative work being seen and appreciated.

By embracing trend data as part of your creative process, you can move from a "create and pray" strategy to a "create with confidence" strategy, leading to more consistent growth and a more engaged audience.